Over 5,000 learners at Garissa University are set to benefit from enhanced learning facilities following a KES 272.9 million investment by the M-Pesa Foundation in the construction of a modern Tuition Complex.
The project, funded under the Foundation’s Citizens of the Future Programme, seeks to promote skills-based education in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions while improving infrastructure in higher learning institutions across the country.
Modern, Sustainable Learning Facilities
The new complex will feature modern lecture halls, fully equipped science and ICT laboratories, faculty offices, examination and conference facilities. The infrastructure will be powered by solar energy and fitted with water harvesting systems to enhance sustainability.
In addition, the facility will house a Safaricom Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre aimed at nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship and market-relevant skills among young people.
“Education has the power to transform lives if learners are given an opportunity to access quality facilities. Education goes beyond content, with infrastructure as an enabling factor in improving learning standards.
At the Foundation, we have embarked on a programme known as Citizens of the Future that is targeted at construction, renovation and equipping of institutions in all 47 counties,” said Esther Koimett, Chair of M-PESA Holdings Company Limited.
Expanding Access to Skills-Based Education
The Garissa project forms part of a broader national rollout under the Citizens of the Future Programme. This week, the Foundation is also set to launch an ICT Centre at University of Embu under its TVET Programme.
Other institutions that have benefited include Maseno University through an ICT Centre and Tangaza University in Nairobi, where a nursing school has been supported.
The programme aims to provide over 10,000 scholarships over five years to learners in TVET institutions and senior secondary schools, equipping youth with practical, market-relevant skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
Strengthening TVET and Digital Skills Nationwide
For years, the Safaricom Foundation and M-Pesa Foundation have supported higher education and technical training initiatives.
The Safaricom Foundation TVET Programme currently supports more than 1,000 students in institutions such as Waithaka Vocational College, Ahero Vocational Centre and Wiyumiririe Vocational Centre.
Under the Wezesha Vijana Programme, vulnerable youth in Nairobi, Isiolo and Marsabit counties are receiving technical and digital skills training to enhance employability.
Parallel to these efforts, the Digital Skills Programme is upskilling teachers in about 35 Teacher Training Colleges. Institutions including Machakos, Egoji and Eregi TTCs are set to benefit from upgrades aimed at strengthening teacher digital literacy and improving learning outcomes.
KES 912 Million Invested in Garissa
Since inception, Safaricom, through its Foundations, has invested KES 912 million in more than 58 projects across Garissa County, spanning education, health and livelihoods.
The latest investment underscores the Foundation’s continued commitment to expanding access to quality, sustainable and skills-oriented education infrastructure across Kenya.